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Brazil’s Copa America 2024 chances have been dealt a huge blow as star forward Vinicius Jr will miss the quarter-finals through suspension. The Real Madrid attacker picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in the Selecao’s final group game against Colombia on Tuesday (July 2).
Brazil came into the game at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California needing to beat Colombia in order to top Group D. Dorival Junior’s side were held to a goalless draw in their Copa America 2024 opener against Costa Rica before seeing off Paraguay with a 4-1 win.
Colombia, meanwhile, have won both their group games so far — 2-1 against Paraguay and 3-0 against Costa Rica — and are top of the group with six points.
Vinicius Jr scored twice in Brazil’s win against Paraguay and also picked up his first booking of the tournament in that game. With his second caution coming in the seventh minute of the Colombia encounter, the 23-year-old will miss Brazil’s quarter-final clash - against either Uruguay or Panama.
If the Selecao fail to beat Colombia today, they will finish second in the group and face Uruguay in the last eight, making Vinicius’ absence even more pronounced. However, things could get worse for Brazil as they have three more players who are a booking away from missing the quarter-finals.
Real Madrid center-back Eder Militao, West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta and Porto fullback Wendell have also picked up one yellow card each in the group stage. The accumulated cards will carry to the quarter-finals, meaning any player with one booking in the group stage and another in the last eight will be suspended for the semi-finals. The cards reset after the quarter-finals.
“CONMEBOL says we talk too much” - Vinicius Jr after Brazil’s 4-1 Copa America 2024 win vs Paraguay
Vinicius Jr has hit out at the South American football federation after Brazil’s 4-1 win against Paraguay in the group stage of the Copa America 2024.
Brazil got their campaign in the USA underway with a thumping win against their Latin neighbours after a frustrating goalless draw in their opening game of the tournament against Costa Rica.
Vinicius Jr starred in the win with two goals (35’, 45+5’). After the game, the Real Madrid star said:
“The Copa America is always difficult because of the pitches, because of the referees - who always go against us - and because the way CONMEBOL treats people. It's always difficult but we have to stay strong, we can only talk by winning. When we talk, CONMEBOL says we talk too much.”
Vinicius Jr has also criticized the condition of the pitches at the ongoing tournament, with Argentina icon Lionel Messi also sharing the same concerns.
